Slave/free distinctions continued: slaves encouraged to be obedient even after conversion

1 Corinthians 7:21-22: 'Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity. For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord.' A slave was free in Christ but still a bondservant to his master. Paul wanted slaves to gain freedom if possible but accepted the continuation of the relationship if not. Even if master and slave were both Christians, the practical relationship continued. This parallels the male/female situation: radical change in spiritual status, continuing practical distinctions.